Modifiable risk factors for overweight and obesity in children and adolescents from São Paulo, Brazil

Abstract

BackgroundBrazil is currently experiencing a nutrition transition: the displacement of traditional diets with foods high in saturated fat, sodium, and cholesterol and an increase in sedentary lifestyles. Despite these trends, our understanding of child obesity in Brazil is limited. Thus, the aims of this study were (1) to investigate the current prevalence of overweight and obesity in a large sample of children and adolescents living in São Paulo, Brazil, and (2) to identify the lifestyle behaviors associated with an increased risk of obesity in young Brazilians.MethodsA total of 3,397 children and adolescents (1,596 male) aged 7-18 years were randomly selected from 22 schools in São Paulo, Brazil. Participants were classified as normal weight, overweight, or obese based on international age- and sex-specific body mass index thresholds. Selected sociodemographic, physical activity, and nutrition behaviors were assessed via questionnaire.ResultsOverall, 19.4% of boys and 16.1% of girls were overweight while 8.9% and 4.3% were obese. Two-way analysis of variance revealed that the prevalence of overweight and obesity was significantly higher in boys and in younger children when compared to girls and older children, respectively (P < 0.05 for both). Logistic regression analysis revealed that overweight was associated with more computer usage, parental encouragement to be active, and light soft drink consumption after controlling for differences in sex, age, and parental education (P < 0.05 for all). Conversely, overweight was associated with less active transport to school, eating before sleep, and consumption of breakfast, full-sugar soft drinks, fried food and confectionery (P < 0.05 for all).ConclusionsOur results show that obesity in São Paulo children and adolescents has reached a level equivalent to that seen in many developed countries. We have also identified three key modifiable factors related to obesity that may be appropriate targets for future intervention in Brazilian youth: transport mode to school, computer usage, and breakfast consumption.

Temporal trend in overweight among adolescents in northeastern Brazil

“…As observed in other studies conducted in adolescents in Europe (19), USA (16) and different regions of Brazil (5,22,23), in the present study the prevalence of overweight was greater in males. However, some studies show higher prevalence for females (12) or no differences between the sexes (21).…”

Caracterización de la movilidad en bicicleta en el Campus Universitario Rodrigo Facio, Universidad de Costa Rica

“…El sobrepeso y obesidad en niños, niñas y adolescentes están asociados, entre otras razones, con la falta de medios de transporte activos para viajar a la escuela (Duncan et al, 2011).…”

Effect of bariatric surgery on weight loss, inflammation, iron metabolism, and lipid profile

“…Obesity is increasing all over the world both in developed and underdeveloped countries (1,2) and is known to be associated with inflammatory changes, insulin resistance, and hyperlipidemic state (3). The adipocyte is an important source of cytokines, namely, leptin, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and their levels are significantly higher in the plasma of obese patients (4).…”